Mixed reactions greet announcement that Matt LeBlanc is new Top Gear co-host

Puzzled over the new choice of Top Gear presenter? You are not the only one. Petrolheads and Friends fans alike have offered a distinctly mixed reaction to news that Matt LeBlanc will host the hit UK motorsport series.

The BBC announced on Thursday, February 4, that American actor Matt LeBlanc will join Chris Evans in the hot seat for Top Gear’s 23rd series. AP Photo

Puzzled petrolheads and Friends fans alike have offered a distinctly mixed reaction to news that Matt LeBlanc will host hit UK motorsport series Top Gear.

The BBC announced on Thursday, February 4 that the American actor will join Chris Evans in the hot seat for show’s 23rd series.

Best known for playing Joey Tribbiani in Friends, and its spin-off, Joey, LeBlanc has been viewed as a surprise choice – although not one without merit. The 48-year-old proved his credentials when, as a guest in 2012, he set the show's current record for the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car segment, driving a Kia Cee'd.

"As a car nut and a massive fan of Top Gear, I'm honoured and excited to be a part of this iconic show's new chapter," said LeBlanc.

LeBlanc marks the first time a non-British host has been employed in Top Gear's 39-year history, which commentators claim betrays a fresh conviction from producers to spread the brand into North American.

Twitter user @ajmy said: “This #MattLeBlanc thing on #TopGear seems like an April’s fool designed to generate publicity and / or draw in US audience.”

Cameraman @JBoasty added: “Can #mattleblanc even present? Does he even like cars? Seems odd @BBC #topgear. Sounds like desperate American sales tactics to me!”

@mattalexanderuk joked: “#topgear first episode - ‘The one where Joey can’t pronounce Porsche’.”

Despite the jibes, the presence of such a familiar face is likely to help boast Top Gear's appeal to those who have little interest in motoring.

Fan @_LizzieA 7m7 said: “What?! #MattLeBlanc joins #TopGear might watch new series.”

@mandbristol said: “#MattLeBlanc presenting #TopGear. I like it. How YOU doin?”

@LizJarvisUK added: “Will actually watch #TopGear for #mattleblanc. The other bloke, not so much.”

Following Evans’s earlier appointment, LeBlanc marks the second major star to join the show after the high-profile sacking of longterm Jeremy Clarkson last year, with co-hosts James May and Richard Hammond also departing. The BBC have promised more presenters will be announced shortly.

Evans added: "Matt's a lifelong fellow petrolhead and I'm thrilled he's joining Top Gear. Acting out our craziest car notions on screen is a dream job and I know we'll both be debating some epic road trip ideas."

Clarkson has not disappeared off the scene just yet. He is making a new series about cars for Amazon Prime, a new streaming service. He is taking May and Hammond along for the ride. Amazon said that the as-yet unnamed show will be broadcast next year.